Madeira.Vacations

Caldeirão Verde

Levada do Caldeirão Verde: tunnels, ferns and a waterfall in a hidden bowl.

Waterfall falling into a mossy green rock bowl at Caldeirão Verde
Photo: myself (Bernard Leprêtre) · CC BY-SA 2.5

From Queimadas above Santana, the Levada do Caldeirão Verde runs 6.5 km into the heart of the laurisilva, through four unlit tunnels, to a green cauldron with a waterfall falling into it. It is the north coast's signature walk.

The walk

The Queimadas forestry park is beautiful in itself — thatched houses, giant tree ferns and a stream. From there the levada path is mostly level but narrow, with long exposed stretches and cable rails above steep drops.

Allow 5 hours for the round trip of about 13 km. The tunnels are genuinely dark and wet; a head torch is not optional.

Going further

Strong walkers can continue another 2.5 km to the Caldeirão do Inferno, which is wilder, quieter and adds around two hours.

Local tips

  • — Head torch, waterproof and grippy shoes — the tunnels drip constantly.
  • — The north is wetter than the south; check the Santana forecast, not Funchal's.

Guided trips here

Bookable tours that include or focus on this spot.

  • Levada footpath winding through misty Madeiran laurel forest
    4.5 hours Rabaçal

    Rabaçal & 25 Fontes Levada Walk

    The Rabaçal valley to the 25 Fontes waterfall amphitheatre and the Risco levada — Madeira's most-loved walk, with transfers and a guide.

    from €45

    Check availability
  • Hikers on a Madeiran mountain ridge above a sea of clouds at sunrise
    7.5 hours Pico do Arieiro

    Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Hike

    Pre-dawn pickup for the ridge walk from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, above a sea of cloud. Demanding, unforgettable, with transport arranged both ways.

    from €50

    Check availability
  • Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self Guided Santana in Madeira
    8 hours Santana 5.0(26)

    Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self Guided Santana

    Step into a world of misty mountains, moss-covered paths, and ancient greenery on the unforgettable Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk.

    from €28

    Check availability
  • Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self-Guided Hike in Madeira in Madeira
    6 hours Madeira 4.9(111)

    Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self-Guided Hike in Madeira

    Discover the beauty of Madeira on the scenic Levada do Caldeirão Verde trail. This self-guided hike takes you through the lush Laurissilva forest, featuring historic levadas and stunning waterfalls.

    from €40

    Check availability
  • Madeira Porto da Cruz to Machico Self Hiking Tour with Transfer in Madeira
    5 hours Machico 5.0(15)

    Madeira Porto da Cruz to Machico Self Hiking Tour with Transfer

    Embark on a self-guided hike from Porto da Cruz to Machico. Enjoy a scenic hike through the northeast coast of Madeira and admire the different vegetation and dramatic scenery changes.

    from €33

    Check availability
  • West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups in Madeira
    7 hours Porto Moniz 4.9(372)

    West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups

    Visit some of the most spectacular views Madeira has to offer, this is one of the most complete tours you can do. From the Southern coast, through the centre plateau arriving to the northern coast. This tour stops in.

    from €35

    Check availability

Stay nearby

Where to base yourself for this part of the island.

Nearby

Within a short drive, so they combine into one day.

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